The purpose of the Prairie Crossing Institute is to implement the Prairie Crossing guiding principle of lifelong learning. Its programs benefit residents of Prairie Crossing as well as others interested in learning about conservation development and a broad range of subjects related to the Prairie Crossing guiding principles.

Visitors can explore and learn about the Prairie Crossing development on foot, by car, or — as here — with a hayride.

The Institute works closely with the Liberty Prairie Foundation, the Liberty Prairie Conservancy, the Prairie Crossing Organic farm, the Prairie Crossing Charter School, and the Byron Colby Barn (our special meeting facility). It helps to make Prairie Crossing a vibrant learning community.

A landscaping design charette in progress

We arrange, organize and facilitate lectures, conferences, workshops, forums, meetings and tours relating to environmental education and stewardship, natural land preservation and restoration, conservation development and community design, and sustainable agriculture.

Wetland learning adventure for families.

We work cooperatively with many other organizations that aim to safeguard nature and sustainable living patterns. We make use of local, regional and national experts as resource people for the relevant topics. The Prairie Crossing conservation development also provides a practical example and model for "doing the right things right." Much of what we have learned can be applied elsewhere.

Execution of natural landscaping

The Prairie Crossing Institute has start-up funding from the Liberty Prairie Foundation. It is finding other funding as well, including fees for services, grants and donations.

Taking part in the planning

Linda Wiens is the Institute's Executive Director. Her professional competence is in conference and workshop design, and helping organizations plan and implement sound strategy.

Coneflowers in the Prairie

The Institute provides leadership development, teambuilding, board development and governance, conflict management, career consulting, effective hiring, and sound ways to solve problems and realize opportunities.

Prairie flowers and the north pond at Prairie Crossing

We have successful experience with business and industry as well as with non-profit corporations, volunteer groups and government agencies. We are especially interested to work with organizations concerned with sustainability, smart growth, and protecting nature for our common benefit.

Rowboat on Lake Aldo Leopold

We welcome inquiries about opportunities to bring people together to think, learn, plan, act and get results.

Sail boat on Lake Aldo Leopold

Phone 847-548-4062 ext. 12
Fax 847-548-4063
Email lwiens@prairiecrossing.com
32400 North Harris Road
Grayslake, IL 60030